There are thousands of articles across the Internet that state that
low-voltage lighting saves you money as a result of being energy efficient. Of course, as a consumer, you want to purchase a product that continues to illuminate your home and saves you money, so you may have switched your lights over to low-voltage lights. But, have you saved money? Have you seen a reduction in your electric bill? Some research indicates there is no difference between the two types of light, other than the type of light the bulbs emit.
Low-Voltage Lights Are More Expensive to Purchase
Let’s say there is no significant difference in your electric bill each month after installing low-voltage lights. Then, yes, technically, low-voltage lights would cost you more money because it costs more to incorporate them in your home. Compared to traditional line lights, which are less expensive, you use more wiring to have low-voltage lights and they do not effectively illuminate your home.
Do Low-Voltage Lights Have a Longer Lamp Life?
Although it is debatable, there is some research to support the idea that low-voltage lights that are smaller will last longer than traditional line-voltage lights. Bobvila.com estimates that low-voltage lights provide up to 3,000 hours of light versus the capabilities of a line-voltage light, which is 1,000 hours of light. In this respect, low-voltage lights last longer, but you are using more of them to illuminate your home, so it seems like a wash. Does the extended life equate to savings? With the cost of purchasing designer fixtures and special bulbs, if you are realizing any type of savings using low-voltage lights, it may not be as significant as you think.
Should You Invest in Low-Voltage Lights?
Whether you decide to place low-voltage lights in your home or not appears to be a personal decision centered on aesthetics. Low-voltage light fixtures come in many different types of styles, which help you set your home apart from other homes. These lights can also help you accentuate the unique features within your room, which helps you create a welcoming atmosphere for guests who visit your home, but they fall short in other areas, including how much the initial setup costs you.
Low-voltage lights are popular for many builders and homeowners, but for some people, these lights do not stand up to scrutiny. If you decide to purchase low-voltage lights, combining them with traditional line lights will likely allow you to reap the most benefits.